Mothebang Mopeli was alleged to have been one of the agitators in the Witzieshoek Native Reserve, Harrismith District, Orange Free State [now Free State Province]. He was accused of having connections to a certain Josiel Lefela, an ”opruier” (agitator) from Basutoland. Lefela was said never to work yet always had money. It was speculated this came from a certain lawyer who paid him to be his agent.
Mopeli was banished to Frenchdale Native Trust Farm, Mafeking District, in the Northern Cape (now North West Province) on 8 March 1954.